What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hem
Example
She hemmed the bottom of her dress to make it shorter. [hemmed: past tense verb]
Example
The tailor will hem the pants to fit your height. [hem: verb]
Example
The river forms the eastern hem of our property. [hem: noun]
rim
Example
The rim of the glass was chipped and needed to be replaced. [rim: noun]
Example
He rimmed the pie dish with dough before adding the filling. [rimmed: past tense verb]
Example
The mountain's rim was covered in snow. [rim: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rim is more commonly used than hem in everyday language. Rim is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as sports, geography, or cooking. On the other hand, hem is less common and is mostly used in the context of sewing or fashion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hem and rim?
Both hem and rim can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and the speaker's tone. However, hem is more associated with a formal or technical tone due to its association with sewing and fashion.